Embarking on new jobs, Thailand cabinet ministers performed Hindu rituals

Embarking on new jobs, Thailand cabinet ministers performed Hindu rituals

Some newly appointed Thailand cabinet ministers paid homage to Hindu deities before stepping into new jobs, according to reports.

Reports suggest that Justice Minister Pracha Promnok went to the statue of Hindu deity Brahma; lit candle and incense sticks; offered food, flora and a pair of brass swan statues to the deity; on his first day at the job. Minister of Public Health Witthaya Buranasiri and his deputy Torpong Chaiyasarn reportedly arrived at the ministry accompanied by a Brahmin monk and statue of Garuda was brought to Buranasiri’s office.

Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, welcomed the gesture of Thai ministers of invoking Hindu deities at the launch of their new challenging jobs.

Quoting from ancient Hindu scripture Bhagavad-Gita (Song of the Lord), Rajan Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, suggested Thai ministers to strive constantly to serve the welfare of the world, act selflessly without any thought of personal profit, keep welfare of others always in mind; and added that action was better than inaction.

In the past, Thailand brought out postage stamps of Hindu deities Ganesa, Brahma, Narayana, and Siva.

In Hinduism, Lord Brahma is God of creation. Half human and half bird, Garuda is Lord Visnu’s vahana (vehicle) and is also known as king of birds. Hinduism is oldest and third largest religion of the world with about one billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal.

Thailand is popularly called “golden land” and is known for its warmth and hospitality, white sandy beaches, and fertile rice fields. About 95% of Thailand’s population follows Theravada Buddhism. King Bhumibol Adulyadej is head of the state while Yingluck Shinawatra is the prime minister.